Semur-en-Brionnais
Major Cluniac site

Classed as one of the loveliest villages in France, this former capital of the Brionnais is the ideal destination for heritage enthusiasts. Travel through a thousand years of history, from Saint Hugues' castle, by way of Romanesque churches in the “upper town”, to today's rich setting of vineyards and fruit trees!

The mark of Saint Hugues

From the 10th to 14th centuries the Brionnais was controlled by the powerful dynasty of the Barons of Semur. Built on the highest point of the promontory, their castle is one of the oldest in Burgundy.

In the 11th century, Hugues de Semur (1024-1109) founded Cluny abbey, whose influence was to spread throughout Christian Europe.

Henceforward linked to the Cluniac order and the Dukes of Burgundy, Semur-en-Brionnais enjoyed prosperity and security in the Middle Ages. This relative calm meant that many Romanesque churches and medieval buildings have been preserved.

Castle, churches and chapels

Take a trip through one of southern Burgundy's “Romanesque gardens”!

• Saint Hugues' castle affords fine views over the vineyards and Forez mountains. Its 9th century rectangular keep is without doubt the oldest in Burgundy.
• The chevet and octagonal tower of the collegiate church of Saint Hilaire (12th century) show clear Cluniac influence.
• The town's Justice auditorium, 17th century salt store and fine houses are built in traditional Brionnais ochre stone.

Did you know that a lintel in the collegiate church depicts an event in the life of Saint Hilaire? He was exiled after a theological dispute between Arianist bishops and believers in the divine nature of Jesus. It shows Saint Hilaire being comforted by an angel... and regaining his place among the bishops, while a devil carries off the person who condemned him.

Off to the country...

Go through the postern gate between the upper and lower towns to get to the pleasant walk around the ramparts. It runs alongside meadows to the church of Saint-Martin-la-Vallée, well-known for its simple architecture and murals.

Practical information

Throughout the year the Marcigny / Semur-en-Brionnais Tourist Information office organises tours, as well as one-off activities and lectures. It also has a regularly updated website.

Address details

Office de Tourisme du canton de Marcigny / Semur-en-Brionnais
Place des Halles
71110 Marcigny
Tel. : +33 (0)33 85 39 06
E-mail : ot.marcigny-semur@wanadoo.fr
http://www.brionnais-tourisme.fr/

Why not take in the whole of the Pays Charolais-Brionnais? The Tourist Information office at Paray-le-Monial can provide lots of reasons for staying longer...

Address details

Syndicat mixte du Pays Charolais-Brionnais
14, place de l'Hôtel de Ville
76600 Paray le Monial
Tel. : +33 (0)33 85 25 96 36
E-mail : contact@pays-charolais-brionnais.fr
http://www.pays-charolais-brionnais.fr/

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